Death

[_Quasimodo]

Just curious.

Any discussion of religion, at it's center, is a discussion about death. In the last five years I've had to deal with many deaths of friends and family. The concept of existence after death has always interested me, but much more recently.

For the faithful, death has specific results. Depending on one's beliefs, you go to one place or another (for Mormons there are several options).

Death for atheists is the end of all things. The lights go out and consciousnesses ceases.

For agnostics (like me), it's a puzzle. Like the word "agnostic" infers, I just don't know.

What do you think death is like?

[_just me]

Going to sleep.

[_thews]

What do you think death is like?

Waking from a dream. Your first thought as you wait to see what happens next, will be of your life... the people. Seeing yourself dead will cement you still exist. The next thought will be acknowledging that since you still exist after death, so will they. The next thought will be complete focus on who you were and your experience in life. You'll then wonder where the door is, a light, something. You'll then plan to meet your maker. You'll rationalize who you were and why you were a good person... sort of making a case in defense of yourself. As the rationalization starts, you'll realize (fully) that introduction of anything that isn't based on absolute truth was meaningless. You'll look at your dead body and wonder where that light is... a door... something. I don't know what happens after that.

[_Quasimodo]

Going to sleep.

Thanks, just!

A very long sleep. Do you think that's the end?

What about this, from "The Prophet":

"A little while, a moment of rest upon the wind, and another woman shall bear me".

Do you think this might be a possibility (honest question)?

[_Jersey Girl]

Quasi,

Are you wanting comments regarding the dying process or what we think happens after death?

[_Hades]

Whatever happens, I'm sure it won't be nearly as scary as we've been made to believe it is.

[_just me]

Going to sleep.

Thanks, just!

A very long sleep. Do you think that's the end?

What about this, from "The Prophet":

"A little while, a moment of rest upon the wind, and another woman shall bear me".

Do you think this might be a possibility (honest question)?

I imagine that my "self" will cease to exist. My energy and whatnot will become part of the earth (again) or other people (through body part donation). Me and my influence will live on through the memory of my loved ones. That, to me, is what is meant by eternal life.

I expect to return to the no-thingness that I came from. The Source of all.

I do not expect a reincarnation in which my "self" will be inserted into a new body.

[_Quasimodo]

Quasi,

Are you wanting comments regarding the dying process or what we think happens after death?

Either would be great! What happens after death is the big mystery. The process itself is also something to ponder. I've attended the deaths of several people (clinical and relatives). I've found no answers in watching the process.

[_just me]

I do fully expect to have a NDE while my brain is dying. I think it is the bodies way of handling the dying process.

[_Jersey Girl]

Quasi,

Are you wanting comments regarding the dying process or what we think happens after death?

Either would be great! What happens after death is the big mystery. The process itself is also something to ponder. I've attended the deaths of several people (clinical and relatives). I've found no answers in watching the process.

Oh cool, I really like talking about the dying process. Yes, I am weird.